BIG Crash at Indy.

Simone de Silvestro had this big crash at Indy today. Something (suspension probably) broke in Turn 3, the car got airborne and into the catch fence, before coming to a rest upside down and on fire. She is awake and alert and has been transported to hospital with 2nd degree burns to her hand. She did exit the car on her own power.

UPDATE: www.indycar.com

IZOD IndyCar Series driver Simona de Silvestro, who was involved in a crash early in the practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to be treated for second-degree burns on her right hand and superficial burns on her left hand.

De Silvestro, the 2010 Chase Rookie of the Year for the Indy 500, walked without assistance from the Holmatro Safety Team to Command One for the trip to the infield care center.

She was on her seventh lap of the session when sparks were seen trailing the No. 78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car for HVM Racing entering Turn 3 of the 2.5-mile oval. The car made contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 3, spun and then made contact with the SAFER Barrier and lower portion of the catch fence in Turn 4. The car slid down the track on its top, with flames surrounding it. The Holmatro Safety Team was on the scene within seconds to douse the flames.

UPDATE 2:  Simona de Silvestro has been released from Methodist. She will be seen by INDYCAR Medical Officials tomorrow for evaluation of driving status. Here she talks about the crash with Indycar.com and discusses whether or not she will be able to compete in the Indy 500.